Originally from Kolkata, India, Sagnik Chakraborty, was captivated by the night sky from an early age. Watching meteor showers and witnessing the “diamond ring” effect during a solar eclipse sparked his fascination with celestial phenomena. That curiosity pushed him to study physics to understand the world around him.
He began his academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier’s College Kolkata, followed by a master’s degree at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. As he prepared for graduate studies, Sagnik sought a PhD programme that combined advanced research opportunities with a diverse and flexible curriculum. This search led him to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Chicago’s only R1 (very high research activity) public university. “UIC perfectly aligned with my aspirations,” he says.
Sagnik wasn’t the only one drawn to UIC’s unique strengths. Arijita Mukherjee Chakraborty, also from Kolkata, found the Physics department equally compelling. “During my PhD application process to universities in the US, UIC stood out for its exceptional interdisciplinary research programmes, cutting-edge experimental physics labs, and its strong partnerships with leading national laboratories,” she says.
To say their first impressions were correct sounds like an understatement. Both Arijita and Sagnik would go on to thrive at UIC and, after completing their PhDs, land coveted research positions in the booming semiconductor industry. Their story, however, is just one among many.
Take Francisco Lagunas Vargas, Class of 2023. After completing his PhD at UIC, he joined Argonne National Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher. In June 2025, he’ll become an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). The turning point? WashU had acquired a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope (TEM), similar to what Vargas had used during his PhD studies. “The microscope was the next generation instrument I had used at UIC,” he says. “I believe that this ended up giving me an advantage.”
His story illustrates the broader impact of UIC Physics: alumni emerge not just job-ready, but research-ready, often moving on to careers in academia, national labs, and high-tech industries around the world.
Sagnik chose the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) for its advanced experimental research facilities and diverse curriculum that support both his existing and evolving academic interests. Source: University of Illinois Chicago
UIC’s location in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic and diverse cities adds even more value to its programs. Chicago’s multiculturalism, student-friendly environment, and rich scientific ecosystem make it a uniquely supportive place to study. The UIC Department of Physics is deeply embedded in that ecosystem, collaborating closely with institutions like Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and premier national labs such as Argonne and Fermilab. These partnerships give students direct access to pioneering research and mentorship across institutions.
This connection was on full display during the UIC Research Symposium, From Atoms to Astronomy. Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the event showcased the Department’s wide-ranging research, from high-energy particle physics and condensed matter studies to biophysics and cosmology. Students presented their work, connected with faculty, and saw how research at the atomic level informed our understanding of the universe.
What makes UIC unique is that immersive research involvement isn’t reserved just for PhD candidates. Through the Undergraduate Research Experience, students can get involved early, testing advanced instrumentation, working on high-stakes experiments, and even collaborating on international-scale projects at facilities like Fermilab.
Sagnik still remembers the thrill of working with a newly acquired Fluorescence Lifetime Spectroscope in his lab. He not only tested and calibrated the equipment but also developed a standard operating procedure and data analysis methods. “These cumulative experiences led to meaningful discussions with my thesis adviser, which played a crucial role in shaping the concept and direction of my thesis topic,” he says.
At UIC, undergraduate and graduate students alike are guided by some of the top researchers in their fields. The Department is regularly recognised for its research output, ranking high in several national productivity metrics: fourth in research dollars per grant, ninth in articles per faculty member, 19th in grant dollars per faculty, and 30th in citations per faculty member.
As a PhD student at UIC, Arijita contributed to the Joint Centre for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), collaborating with computational physicists and electrochemists at both postdoctoral and faculty levels. Source: University of Illinois Chicago
The faculty’s research spans an impressive range. In condensed matter physics, for instance, students work on everything from surface and interface physics to complex fluids. Professor Russell Hemley, a key figure in this space, studies how Earth and planetary materials behave under extreme pressure. Meanwhile,Professor Robert Klie leads the Nanoscale Physics Group, which focuses on characterizing materials used in quantum computing and energy systems. His team is pioneering techniques in atomic-resolution imaging under challenging conditions — think extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and liquid environments.
They may be respected figures, but their doors are always open to students on any given day. Despite packed schedules, professors regularly make time for one-on-one conversations with students. These interactions help shape not just research direction but also confidence.
“With most professors adopting an ‘open-door’ policy, we were encouraged to freely ask questions and engage in brainstorming sessions about coursework and research projects,” Arijita says. “Regular interactions with colleagues and collaborators from UIC Chemistry and Argonne National Laboratory broadened my understanding of electrochemistry, which was vital to the success of my PhD research.”
Today, Sagnik and Arijita are giving back to the scientific community in a new way. After earning their doctorates, they returned to India and founded the Vector Institute of Physics, an ed-tech platform aimed at delivering high-quality science education to students across the country.
Their journey from curious stargazers in Kolkata to semiconductor researchers and entrepreneurs is a powerful testament to what the UIC Physics Department offers: an education grounded in real-world research, empowered by mentorship, and connected to a global network of innovation.
Whether you’re gazing at the stars or peering into the atomic structure of materials, UIC is where scientific dreams take root — and take flight.
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